Ryan Seacrest has further cemented his business partnership with Clear Channel Communications, the company with whom he is radio partners with. Seacrest has been on a steady ascent in his career since the early 90s, but things really took off for him upon hosting 'American Idol' in 2002 which made him a household name throughout America. Radio endeavours soon followed and Clear Channel are involved in his show 'On Air With Ryan Seacrest' - a program that still airs today almost eight years on from its beginnings on Los Angeles radio station KIIS.

Now the Los Angeles Times reports that Clear Channel have invested $300 million in Ryan Seacrest Media, the holding company of the 37 year-old and is also taking a minority stake in his production company. A statement from Seacrest said "We aim to build Ryan Seacrest Media into a leading multimedia company with diversified assets and interests." For their part, Clear Channel seemed equally enthused at the coming together, with chief executive BOB PITTMAN saying "Ryan is an unmatched creative talent with success across more media platforms and involvement with a greater variety of programming and venues than anyone else in the industry."

What the investment means for Clear Channel is that they'll continue to have a working relationship with Seacrest even if the highly marketable star eventually decides to leave his radio show. He's been highly touted already to replace Matt Lauer when the latter's contract with NBC's 'Today Show' finishes.

Since today's news of Steve Jones being relieved of his duties as x factor host it is also thought that Seacrest may get a nod for that job, following his success on AMERICAN IDOL.